Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1887-09-22
WASHINGTON LETTER.
(From our regular corresponGent.)

WASHINGTON, ID. c., Sept. -, 1887
The numerous military bodies decked in
the brightest and gayeSt of uniforms thlt
daily parade the streets of the Capital 10 the
thrilling notes of martial music, NiVidly
recall the scenes of last summers drill and
remind one that these soldier boys are re
turning from great and glorious pageant,
second only in magnitude aTd importance
10 that other Centennial Of Americas
progress and triumph, celebrated with 50
much cclat s.nnd enthusiasm eleven years IL
~ in the same City Of Hrothcrly Love,
which has just rcioiced in the commcmora-
ton OF the Centennial Constitution of the
United StateS-that wonderful instrument
of patriotic inspiration, destined 10 stand
for all time rs the masterpiece of the
worlds wisdom and statecraft, and rs the
rock upon which rests the greatest of Re-
publics.
And here l will write of really remark
able coincidence in this connection-the
indeed, almost n much So rs the death of
illustrious jefferson fifty years 10 a day after
he had signed the immortal declaration
that won his most famous distinction-and
that is the death in this city of his last
granddaughter, Mrs. Septima Randolph
Meikleham on the very day that the cele-
bration of the Constitutional Centennial
began. This aged lady bore striking re-
semblance TO the great sage and patriot who
was the founder of the Democratic party,
and She had distinct personal recollections
of her honored ancestors appearance and
conversation. She leaves three children
n son and two daughters,-th eldest of the
latter, Miss Alice, holding n small clerk
ship in the Patent Office which Is the sole
support of the family, the son being hope
less invalid.
The resignation of EN- Gov. Porter, rs
\ sSiStant Secretary of State and 1.-THE ap-
pointment of his successor continue 10 be
topics of discussion among the politicians.
There appears to be every reason 10 believe
that Mr.. Bayard and Mr.. Porter were at
variance on several questions of public
policy-that in fact, the latter was too
much disposed TO assert himself in affairs
of State. Among those mentioned for the
concession are Congressman Belmont, of
y. j =, Chairman of the Committee on For
eigr Affairs in the Forty-Ninth Congress,
and ex-CongresSmen Cox, of y. G., who
was Chairman of the Committee on Civil
Service in the same body. Ii is said that
Mr. Bayard regards the latter the most fav-
orably, on account of his administration of
the North Carolina statements pro gressive
course on Civil Service reform, and also his
possession of considerable ~ealth-an i'm
portant factor in a diplomatic position.
Mr.. Belmont also has wealth TO back him,
and he is not without experience in matters Of
diplomacy. 1t is understood that the Secre-
tary claims the right 10 select his assistant.
To distinguished Southerner who a few
days since called upon the president 10
urge the appointment Of one of his constitu-
ents 10 the Supreme Court vacancy, Mr..
Cleveland stated that he had already made
the selection and did not suppose lac svo"fd
| hays, reason %, fIarcS II, and although no
name was called the visitor from subsequent
remarks, was firmly impressed with the opin-
| that the judicial mantle would grace the
shoulders of Secretary Lamar.
The report of the Secretary of the Interior,
| in response 10 the demand of the select
Committee of the Senate, of which Mr..
Crockrell IL chairman, makes a volume Of
490 pages printed in small type, and gives n
detailed statement of the amount and char
acter of business transacted in the depart
ment and the methods of conducting the
same Ii also slows that there are 9lJi EN-
| ployes of the departmental which number
| All are Presidential and the remainder de
partmental appointees \ similar report
shows that there GOO employees in the Post
Office Department {; that there are "a, IA
postmasters !; IS first class, 400 second, J.
2S4 third, and 81, PA fourth.
| The Illinois Democrats in Office here
have formed all association for the purpose
of looking after tie official scalp of all Re
publicans credited 20 that state-a COM
mendable example TO the Democrats of
| other States